The former French legend insists his decision to step down as the Blancos coach was not with the Blues coaching role in mind

Zinedine Zidane sent shockwaves across Europe when he announced his resignation as the Real Madrid head-coach last month, just 4 days after leading them to a third successive Champions League title. The Frenchman had a poor domestic campaign, but salvaged the season with yet another European medal. However, he stepped down from the post of Madrid’s head-coach after 2 and a half years in charge.

Among the many reports speculating his next destination, one of them was believed to the French national team. Zidane won the 1998 World Cup with Les Blues, and was thought to return to the side in a coaching role following their excursions in Russia. But Zidane has come on record to dismiss all such claims.

“The most important thing is to support the team of France,” he told TF1. “I didn’t stop to want to take the team of France. I stopped to make a parenthesis.”

Zidane has kept mum about his future, despite the growing links to a whole host of clubs and speculations about his next move. He sighted a necessity of change in guard at Real Madrid while addressing the press conference on the day of his resignation, as he also stressed on the club’s need for a direction.

His departure has thrown the Real Madrid board into a tailspin, who’re now looking for an able successor with options being very limited. The likes of Maurizio Sarri, Mauricio Pochettino and even Arsene Wenger have been touted to be in the considerations, while recent reports have revealed even former Tottenham Hotspur boss Andre Villas-Boas is in contention for the job.

Author’s Take

Zidane hasn’t ruled out a return to management as immediately as next season, so he’s been eyed by several top clubs across Europe. Although it would be interesting to find where he eventually lands up.

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